Program Operations Manual System (POMS)

A. BACKGROUND

SSA has reviewed its records to identify the cases in which payments were not made,
or benefits were suspended, because the beneficiary was in Albania. The files were
reviewed to identify those in which:

•

the beneficiary was still in Albania;

•

the file contained a complete address; and

•

entitlement had not been terminated.

B. POLICY

Before SSA can resume payments to a beneficiary in Albania, the beneficiary must establish:

•

his/her identity in a personal interview with a representative of the U.S. Embassy
in Tirana;

•

that no termination or deduction events have occurred since moving to Albania (or,
if later, since the beneficiary became entitled to benefits); and

•

his/her current eligibility to receive benefits.

C. PROCESS

1. Beneficiary Notification

SSA sent notices to the beneficiaries identified in RS 02650.122A. advising them that Social Security benefits could now be paid to beneficiaries in
Albania. They were advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Tirana for assistance in
having their benefits resumed, or where appropriate, in determining if they could
now receive benefits.

EXCEPTION: No notices were sent to Albanian-citizen beneficiaries and claimants who did not meet
an exception to the alien nonpayment provisions. (SSA will make a decision on whether
to contact them when a determination is made on the Albanian social insurance system.)

2. FSP Action

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana takes action as explained in RS 02650.122B. above when contacted by one of the beneficiaries whose benefits could be resumed.
It sends the material to OIO.

D. PROCEDURE

Obtain the claims folder.

Examine the information furnished by the Embassy carefully to determine whether payments
can be resumed to the beneficiary.

Compare the beneficiary's signature with the other signatures and information in the
claims file. If there are any doubts about the beneficiary's identity request the
Embassy to check further.